SRINAGAR: Kashmir woke up to a picturesque white landscape on Sunday as the Valley witnessed fresh snowfall overnight, covering several parts, including the capital city of Srinagar. The heavy snowfall, attributed to a western disturbance, has led to a significant drop in temperatures, plunging several degrees below freezing point.
Officials are actively engaged in clearing the snow from roads, as the continuous snowfall throughout the week has caused traffic disruptions. The famous ski resort Gulmarg in north Kashmir recorded a low of minus 10.6 degrees Celsius, while Pahalgam in the south witnessed minus 8.3 degrees Celsius on Saturday.
This week marked the season’s first snowfall for most parts of Kashmir, including the plains, which had experienced an unusual dry spell during Chillai Kalan, the 40-day harshest winter period. The Valley is currently in a 20-day-long Chilla-i-Khurd (small cold), followed by a 10-day Chilla-i-Bachha (baby cold).
Locals across the Valley rejoiced at the fresh snowfall after weeks of anticipation. However, the joy comes with challenges, as the snowfall has disrupted road and air traffic. The Srinagar-Jammu highway has been closed for double-way traffic, and commuters are advised to travel only in unavoidable circumstances due to slippery conditions.
The Srinagar airport reported disruptions in flight operations, with several flights delayed or cancelled. All Air India flights to and from Srinagar, including AI827/828, AI825/826, AI821/822, and AI3525/4426, have been cancelled for the day. Besides, train services have been temporarily suspended in the Kashmir Valley.
Sadhna Top has received a substantial 2-3 feet of snow, while Gurez witnessed over a foot of accumulation. The northern town of Gulmarg saw a significant 8 inches of snowfall, creating ideal conditions for winter sports enthusiasts. Other areas such as Sonawari Gundjahangir, Rafiabad, and Lolab reported substantial accumulations of 6-7 inches, 7 inches, and 9 inches, respectively. Urban centres like Srinagar, Ganderbal, and Baramulla recorded 2-3 inches, 3 inches, and 5 inches of snow, adding to the winter charm. Even lower reaches like Kishtwar, Tral, and Karnah witnessed light coverings of 2 inches or less. The diverse snowfall measurements capture the beauty and challenges brought by the winter weather across the Kashmir Valley.
